With the NHL Entry Draft set to take place tonight and tomorrow in Philadelphia, there will be a lot more on the minds of general managers across the league besides picking future superstars for their teams. Sweet-talking free agents into joining their club? That's on the agenda, too.

This draft weekend allows free agents to meet with GM's of all 30 teams to discuss potential employment opportunities for the upcoming season. When it comes to your Boston Bruins, they aren't expected to make any big signings of top the free agents available, so don't get your hopes up in thinking Thomas Vanek, Paul Stastny or Ales Hemsky is walking through that door.

In the case of recently departed Shawn Thornton, CSNNE's Joe Haggerty reports that several teams have expressed interest in signing the soon-to-be 37-year-old when free agency kicks off next Tuesday, July 1. Thornton will use the draft this weekend as an opportunity to meet with the teams that are interested in his services that can see the value in his work ethic, professionalism and toughness. A team that is rife with young talent and looking to add a bit of leadership and someone with boatloads of playoff experience and Stanley Cup success will be willing to introduce Thornton to their locker room.

Thornton still feels he has a lot left in the tank, so much so that he feels he could get a multi-year deal on the open market. That seems like a real possibility for the 11-year NHL veteran. Let's hope he can find a team that will maximize his qualities as his career comes to a close in the coming years.